– Thousands Expected to Dance at the Park with Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman and Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo as well as in the Park’s Fountain –

(www.dizzyfeetfoundation.org)

LOS ANGELES (June 25, 2013) – Grand Park is inviting dance and fitness lovers of all ages to join in what is expected to be the largest dance celebration of the summer as Grand Park hosts the West coast’s flagship National Dance Day celebration for the second year in a row. The free interactive dance experience, presented by The Music Center and The Dizzy Feet Foundation, takes place on Saturday, July 27, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Conceived originally by executive producer, co-creator and judge of “So You Think You Can Dance” (SYTYCD), Nigel Lythgoe, and acknowledged by Congress in 2010, National Dance Day is a nationwide grassroots initiative that promotes the joy and benefits of dance for everyone.

Each year, in honor of National Dance Day, The Dizzy Feet Foundation, of which Lythgoe is a founder and co-president, produces instructional dance routines and makes them available for everyone to learn in preparation for National Dance Day. This year, the videos include an “Everybody Dance” routine, choreographed by film director, producer and SYTYCD judge, Adam Shankman, for people of all levels and ability (available online on Tuesday, June 25, 2013), as well as a “Hip-Hop Master Class” routine, choreographed by Napoleon and Tabitha Dumo (available online on Tuesday, July 2, 2013). The videos can be found at http://www.youtube.com/dizzyfeetfoundation

“As we saw last year with the thousands who joined us, National Dance Day is a perfect fit for Grand Park, since everyone can participate, with no previous dance experience necessary,” said Stephen D. Rountree, president and CEO, The Music Center. “We are both honored and excited to present the West coast’s National Dance Day celebration.”

“The beauty and convenience of Grand Park make it the perfect place for the community to get up, move and get healthy,” said Lythgoe. “Everyone is welcome, from those who love to dance or exercise, to those who appreciate the beauty and versatility of dance as an art form,” he added.

Grand Park visitors will enjoy the opportunity to participate in the official National Dance Day celebration routines, which will be led in person by Lythgoe and Shankman as well as the Dumos. Dance lessons will also be taught right in the splash pad of the park’s historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain. Guests will be treated to a special performance by Los Angeles-based dance company, Still Motion, led by SYTYCD choreographer, director and dancer, Stacey Tookey. Guests are welcome to picnic and can also enjoy food from the Grilled Cheese Truck, King Kone and Homeboy Bakery among other popular food trucks.

The National Dance Day East coast flagship celebration will be held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

About The Music CenterA leader at the cultural heart of Los Angeles County, The Music Center brings to life one of the world’s premier arts destinations by creating opportunities for arts participation, enabling compelling programming and providing first class venues and services. The Music Center is one of the largest and most highly regarded performing arts centers in the country, creating a cultural hub that is central to L.A.’s status as “the creative capital” of the world. Celebrated for its illustrious dance programming Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center and home to four world-class resident companies – LA Phil, Centre Theatre Group, LA Opera and Los Angeles Master Chorale – The Music Center is the place to experience the most innovative and critically-acclaimed performing arts in the nation. In its effort to extend the reach and accessibility of the performing arts, the Music Center is a national model for experiences in which people participate directly through its Active Arts® at The Music Center. As well, The Music Center presents special productions, events and festivals for children and families, including World City at The Music Center. Each year, more than one-million audience members delight in the excitement of live performances on The Music Center’s stages and enjoy free community arts events all year long across its outdoor campus. For more information, visithttp://www.musiccenter.org/

About Grand ParkUnder the leadership of The Music Center, Grand Park has become a vibrant outdoor community gathering place for all, adding a new spirit and vitality to downtown Los Angeles. With expansive green space for gatherings large and small, Grand Park celebrates the cultural vitality of Los Angeles County and is host to community events, cultural experiences, holiday celebrations and many other activities that engage and attract visitors from all communities throughout the county. One of the biggest parks in downtown Los Angeles, the 12-acre Grand Park stretches from The Music Center on the west to City Hall on the east. Under the direction of the county, Grand Park was developed by Related Companies with an award-winning creative team, including landscape architect, Rios Clementi Hale Studios; general contractor, Charles Pankow Builders; environmental graphic design firm, Sussman/Prejza; and fountain design consultants, Fluidity. For more information, visit http://grandparkla.org/

About the Dizzy Feet FoundationThe Dizzy Feet Foundation was established in 2009 by Nigel Lythgoe, Adam Shankman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Katie Holmes, among others, to support, improve and increase access to dance education in the United States. Guided by a board representing all aspects of the American dance community, the foundation’s mission is three-fold: 1) To sponsor, fund and/or support dance education programs that expose children in underserved areas to the lifelong benefits of dance education through and with local community organizations; 2) To provide scholarships to talented students studying at accredited or nationally regarded dance schools, studios or institutions; and 3) In conjunction with recognized credentialing organizations, to support and increase the quality of all styles of dance education in the United States. The Dizzy Feet Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. (Federal Tax Identification No: 26-4501295).